Merle Haggard Hospitalized with Pneumonia

Merle-HaggardThis story has been updated (see below).

78-year-old country legend Merle Haggard is currently in a California hospital suffering from pneumonia. Haggard was forced to cancel some recent tour dates due to his illness, and checked himself in for treatment. His show last night (12-2) at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert, California was cancelled, as was tonight’s (12-3) show at the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside, California, Friday’s show (12-4) at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, and Saturday’s show in Wendover, Nevada.

However they are hoping Haggard gets better quickly, and will be able to play his remaining December dates starting with the December 7th and 8th shows at the Golden Nugget in Las Vegas, and Dec. 9th in Beverley Hills. The date at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert has already be rescheduled for February 8th. Merle is expected to recover, but in his advanced age, all precautions are being taken.

Haggard has been through medical scares in the past, and persevered with quick turnarounds. Merle was diagnosed with lung Cancer in May of 2008, and had surgery to remove part of the upper lobe of his right lung that had a lemon-sized tumor growing on it. Less than two months later he was playing shows at The Crystal Palace in Bakersfield.

Merle also was forced to cancel some tour dates in October after tour partner Willie Nelson decided to have stem cell surgery to hopefully help his own ailing lungs.

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UPDATE (12-7): Merle Haggard has now cancelled ALL tour dates in December due to his continued issues with pneumonia.

However he did post a photo today saying, This picture speaks for itself on how I’m doing. Hope to see you all soon!

merleh-haggard

READ: 10 Badass Merle Haggard Moments

 Stay tuned for more information on Merle’s condition as details are made available.

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